Who has time to drive across town in the middle of the work day to get to a counseling appointment? Or find childcare or transportation in the midst of a crazy time? Feel like you just can't get the support you need because of the logistics? Now you can!
You don't need to limit your counseling to someone that may know a little about what specific issue you're dealing with just because their location is convenient to you. This is the beauty of online therapy (teletherapy).
We can meet by live video or phone to have your session from anywhere! Meet with me in the privacy of your parked car on your phone or tablet. Meet with me from your office during your lunch break or the other room of your house while your newborn babies are napping.
It's like Skype or FaceTime, except we will use a secure medical site to make sure that your privacy is protected from hackers or unwanted listeners.
There are a few different secure sites I use. https://doxy.me/exploringinnerpeace is my main virtual waiting room that does not require any downloaded software for you to use. Regroup Connect is another site we can use that will have you download the Zoom app, but if we schedule through this then you will receive an email with the necessary download link and specific pin for our meeting time.
Online Therapy: What? Why? And is it Right for Me?
What?
More and more services are being offered online these days. Medical services and even counseling are now being offered from the comfort of your own home or office through video chat services. Don’t worry your privacy is still upheld- the medical providers and therapists should be using secure and confidential web servers that offer HIPAA compliance to follow the federal mandates.
With online therapy you still meet ‘face to face’ with a qualified therapist, only it is happening on your computer screen.
Below are some considerations of whether or not online therapy may be right for you.
Where?
From the comfort of your own home or office, or while you’re traveling on the go. Get your support regardless of the obstacles or special circumstances you may have.
Consider if you have a quiet place that you can speak openly without being overheard by someone else in your home or workplace. If you think that someone may be able to overhear you, this space will not work for a counseling session.
A) Either you will be self-conscious and unable to fully open up for the extent of the therapeutic benefit, or
B) Your confidentiality could be breached by having someone nearby listening in to what you are saying in a private session. Your therapist can only control your confidentiality from their end of the equation- it’s up to you to secure your own environment.
Why?
Obstacles to therapy happen all the time.
Travel or transportation barriers are one possibility, or your health may be another challenge that keeps you from regularly attending appointments.
Maybe you have been seeking counseling support and struggle with one of these issues or frequently have to travel for work. If this is your situation, online therapy may be a great way to give you the consistent support that you need to move forward on your goals for a happier/ healthier life. Don’t let these barriers stop you from getting the help you need.
Who?
Convenience, convenience, convenience. Many people that start therapy are unable to be consistent with their appointments for a multitude of reasons. And if you aren’t consistently going then you aren’t reaching your fullest potential.
If counseling is convenient for you then it will be easier to stick with it and get the regular support you need to facilitate the positive changes you’re wanting.
Finding the right therapist when your area is limited is one problem you may face. If you live in a small town or a place where you don’t have a lot of choices, this option may give you the freedom to find the best fit for you. Don’t limit yourself or settle just because that’s what is available.
Counseling works most effectively when you have a good connection with your therapist and feel understood. That means that if you find yourself settling you may not be getting as much from the work you’re doing as you could be. However, there are some limitations to finding an online therapist. Each state has different licensing regulations, so you may find some therapists are only able to provide to residents in the states in which they are licensed.
When?
It may be hard to get away from your high pressure job or to find the time in the day for self-care. Instead of having to schedule extra time out for your appointments to drive there, deal with traffic, and wait, maybe the 1 hour online meeting is best for your schedule.
Take a lunch break or wrap up a task and hope onto the website just in time for your appointment. It can’t be more convenient then that! And pat yourself on the back for taking the time to focus on your needs and achieving your goals.
How?
Technology is a must. Do you have reliable internet connection and a way to video chat?
This may be as simple as a computer, laptop, tablet or your cell phone. If working with me, we will problem solve ahead of time about what to do in case the internet connection does drop or you get disconnected.
Speaking of technology, many people can navigate simple tasks on a cell phone or computer, but feel uncomfortable with new programs or complicated tasks.
Depending on the system, it can be as simple as clicking a link and typing in your name, then you just wait until your therapist shows up on the screen.
It doesn’t have to be hard or intimidating!
Where?
As a licensed clinical social worker, I provide counseling to people all over Colorado. Some of the cities and towns that I offer therapy in are listed here:
Arvada, Aurora, Bailey, Boulder, Brighton, Broomfield, Buena Vista, Canon City, Castle Rock, Centennial, Colorado Springs, Conifer, Denver, Durango, Englewood, Evergreen, Fairplay, Fort Collins, Fort Morgan, Fountain, Golden, Grand Junction, Greeley, Greenwood Village, Lafayette, Lakewood, Littleton, Longmont, Loveland, Montrose, Monument, Morrison, Parker, Pine, Pueblo, Salida, Steamboat Springs, Sterling, Telluride, Thornton and Westminster.
No matter where you are in the world, whether you travel or live in a remote place with limited resources, you can get counseling from the comfort and convenience of your own computer, tablet or smart phone.
Why Not?
Is it personable? In most online therapy services, you will have one therapist that you regularly talk with and get to know. You and the therapist should be able to see each other, read some body language and all facial expressions, and hear each other clearly.
The limitations to getting to know someone through video chat sessions is that you won’t see as much of the environment and may not see the full body to read all body language, but that may not be the barrier that you think it is.
After 1-2 sessions you may find that you are perfectly comfortable with this option, it’s just the initial adjustment and unknown that people may find they aren’t sure about.
However, online therapy isn’t for everyone. Even after all the information about it, you may still find yourself preferring the in-person experience. That’s perfectly fine! There also may be reasons that your therapist recommends in-person sessions for you, so trust your gut and your therapist’s recommendation. Sometimes it makes sense to have a mix of in-person and online sessions so you can have the best of both worlds.
If you do decide you want to try online therapy, whether it is for the convenience, the consistency, or to choose an expert provider outside of your neighborhood, check out my online therapy groups for women. You can find the details for those groups here.
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